Open AccessBeta Blockade in the Post‐Myocardial Infarction Setting: Pharmacologic Rationale and Clinical Evidence
Author(s) -
Williams Randall E.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
preventive cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1751-7141
pISSN - 1520-037X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1520-037x.2006.04690.x
Subject(s) - medicine , contraindication , myocardial infarction , beta (programming language) , cardiology , blockade , adrenergic beta antagonists , beta blocker , heart failure , intensive care medicine , propranolol , alternative medicine , receptor , pathology , computer science , programming language
The use of β blockers reduces the risk of arrhythmias, reinfarction, and heart failure in both the immediate and long‐term periods after a myocardial infarction. Every patient should be prescribed a β blocker after a myocardial infarction unless there is a strong contraindication to therapy. Despite compelling evidence and recommendations, β blockers remain an underutilized therapy in the post‐myocardial infarction period. Evidence‐based recommendations for the choice of agent and the practical implementation of β blockers are reviewed.